Genelec celebrates truthful sound and the passion that powers it.
Genelec – the global leader in professional loudspeaker systems – is marking its 45th anniversary this year by launching the Genelec 45 World Tour, which celebrates the truthful sound and the passion that powers it. The extensive tour combines demonstrations of Genelec studio monitors with a program of premium learning and listening experiences, complemented by a major global music collaboration. The Genelec 45 World Tour provides audio professionals, sonic creators, and audiophiles with a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and power of truthful sound wherever they might be located.
Central to the tour is the Genelec | Experience series of premium events, which includes face-to-face listening sessions at Genelec’s growing international network of Experience Centres, complemented by hybrid and virtual events, regional partner events, and traditional trade shows. The Genelec | Experience will not only provide an opportunity for customers to audition Genelec’s state-of-the-art studio monitors but will also allow customers to learn about and experience a wide range of Genelec stereo and immersive loudspeaker systems in a controlled, critical listening environment.
For those that can’t attend the Genelec | Experience in person, Genelec will also be making full use of its digital channels throughout 2023 to deliver a program of online masterclasses, tutorials, webinars, and informal knowledge-sharing sessions, while the new Genelec Virtual Showroom allows customers across the Professional Audio Monitoring, AV Installation and Home Audio segments to instantly access valuable Genelec information and resources in a unique and visually engaging interactive VR environment. Additionally, the Create With Genelec loan campaign will be run in selected territories to allow audio professionals, creatives and music educators to experience Genelec technology in the comfort of their own environment.
The final element of the tour is the Genelec | Harmony Tracks global music collaboration, which encourages even greater end user engagement in Genelec’s 45th celebrations. Genelec | Harmony Tracks invites participants to submit a piece of music using their own unique style, sound and local culture to create a new, powerful, and unifying patchwork of international musical harmony. The contest winner will receive a pair of Genelec 8330A studio monitors as a prize, and for every song entry submitted, Genelec will donate money to the charity Music Fund, which collects musical instruments, repairs them and gives them a second life by donating them to music schools and socio-artistic projects in Europe, developing countries and conflict zones around the world. Genelec will also be encouraging regional partners to get involved – with the goal of collecting and re-distributing 45 different types of instruments globally in a celebration of the world’s wonderfully diverse musical cultures.
“Over the last 45 years we’ve created quite a company legacy, but none of this would be possible without our customers,” comments Genelec Managing Director Siamäk Naghian. “So we want to use this anniversary year to look forward to the future, and empower and celebrate the people that create and love sound and music. Our passion for perfecting sound is shared by all the professionals and creatives who rely on Genelec technology every day. By inspiring each other, we’re consistently driving the industry forward – and that’s something truly worth celebrating!”
The LG Arts Center SEOUL is the new landmark of contemporary performing art which was recently relocated to Gangseo-gu of Seoul, the western part of the capital of Korea. The Center is the first venue in Asia to install the signature Eos Apex console. The venue also includes additional ETC products to provide best-in-class lighting solutions for the modern art centre. Products include Source Four LED Series 3 with XDLT lens tubes, Paradigm control and touchscreen stations, BluesSystem, and more.
With a total floor area of 40,000 m2, the leading cultural hub was designed by the world-famous Japanese architect Tadao Ando and successfully achieves the architectural philosophy of blending nature into architecture. There are two performance venues in the Center; one of them is the LG SIGNATURE Hall, which has a capacity of 1,335 seats, and U+ Stage, which is a transformable black box theatre capable of accommodating up to 365.
After several fruitful conversations and product demonstrations organized by ETC dealer C&C Lightway, the Center selected two Eos Apex 10 consoles with 24K outputs and an Eos Apex Processor for the LG SIGNATURE Hall, working as the main and backup control system of the performance. “Eos Apex is perfect for a full control system; it is powerful and reliable enabling my team to work confidently for every show,” the representative of LG Arts Center SEOUL commented.
Ten sets of Source Four LED Series 3 fixtures are installed for front lighting. The top-of-the-line Lustr X8 array brings nuanced color without sacrificing brightness which generates a perfect skin tone for full orchestra, operas, musicals, concerts, theatre, and ballet performances. “We paired XDLT lens tubes with Series 3 – they are perfect for our large performance hall making lighting up the stage from the farthest distances a piece of cake!” the lighting director of LG Arts Center SEOUL added. The crisp gobo projection and reduced light leak also impressed the client.
The Center not only emphasizes professional and high-quality lighting at the front stage but also backstage. TP (Theatre Projects) recommended BluesSystem which provides a set of dimmable blue running lights for the dark area in the halls. The award-winning line of low-voltage LEDs provides safe illumination during live productions. Besides, Irideon with Zoom lens and framing shutter features are installed in a technical gallery of the stage side area, a follow-spot room, and a control room, they can enhance the ambiance in the rooms with a theatre feel.
The client was looking for a comprehensive control system that would manage not only general lighting fixtures but also the house lighting in the audience seating area. C&C Lightway understood the challenge and proposed ETC’s Paradigm architectural control system with 7” Touchscreen stations installed on the sides of the stage. Users can set up “preset modes” with different combinations of lighting fixtures to accommodate various situations in the theatre. The Touchscreen station brings elegant and compact control in a customizable, intuitive interface.
Sensor3 Dimming is the sophisticated power control system proposed by C&C Lightway. Paired with the ThruPower Module, it powers up all of the lighting in the Center from conventional Source Four fixtures, and LED luminaires, to automated fixtures that generate stunning lighting effects for this world-class stage.
With the use of Response Mk2 DMX Gateways and the Response Opto-Splitters, all products in the ETC lighting ecosystem are connected in a single Ethernet network which enables seamless and reliable communication when managing all of the equipment from an integrated data distribution network.
The LG Arts Center SEOUL is operated by the LG Yonam Cultural Foundation with financial support from the LG Group. The Center is the pioneer in promoting art and culture by presenting world-class performances, ranging from classical and traditional music to popular music, ballet, musicals, and plays.
FOH Engineer Kenny Kaiser and Monitor Engineer Marty Beath rely on DPA’s Live Sound Solutions
Always on the lookout for the newest audio solutions for the rock band, The Killers, FOH Engineer Kenny Kaiser and Monitor Engineer Marty Beath were immediately intrigued by DPA’s new 4055 Kick Drum Mic. Among the first to get their hands on the mic, the duo put it to the test at production rehearsals before heading out on the band’s “The Killing the Mirage” tour. After receiving universally positive feedback, the decision was made: DPA’s 4055 Kick Drum Mic was joining The Killers’ touring gear line-up alongside the group’s existing DPA solutions, such as the 4099 CORE Instrument Mics, 4011 Cardioid Condenser Mics and d:facto™ 4018 Vocal Microphone.
Before solidifying their kick drum mic of choice, Kaiser and Beath tested out three variations of a mic setup. “We had a plate mic, a ribbon mic and then the new DPA,” explains Beath, “and we were swapping between them, listening to what we could get out of each combination. Because the DPA is linear, you have to shape it, but that’s great because that’s what you want—to have control and not be dictated by the voicing of the mic. So, I think it’s fantastic for this drum, but it will also translate across multiple drum kits.”
Beath continues, saying, “It can handle the SPL, no problem whatsoever, and we’ve pretty much maintained our normal placement. We’ll probably experiment as we go along and get more comfortable with it, but so far, it’s mind-blowing.” Kaiser also notes that the mic’s voicing is one of the key standouts for the pair. “The overall design of this [mic] answers that famous line of optimize or compromise,” Kaiser explains. “The compromise for us is we have a very loud stage, so being able to design everything around that is huge.”
On the rest of the drum set, the pair utilizes DPA’s 4099 CORE Instrument Mics for tom toms and under the cymbals, along with 4011 Cardioid Condenser Mics on snare top and bottom, as well as on the hi-hat. “I’ve used the DPA CORE technology on lots of other acts and thought that it would be the greatest solution for [’The Killers’] kit because it is so small,” explains Beath. “We try to under-mic the cymbals because of the spill from the wedges, so we get a lot more isolation…and can control the stereo image more.”
The duo also notes that the 4011s provide the transient attack that people love without having to manage it too hard. “The previous mics we had, you had to do more finessing to get the tonality we wanted and lost a lot of that [transient sound],” explains Kaiser. The pair also loves the simplicity and subtlety of the DPA solutions, which allow for less mic stands and a neater stage presence without compromising on sound quality.
Also on stage are the d:facto 4018 Vocal Microphones, which Kaiser and Beath rely on for backing vocals. Working front of house, Kaiser’s main concern was loudness and trying to manage that volume. “I’m typically about 75 feet off from front of house,” he explains, “and I’m at 96 dB(A) with the PA off with just the wedges―it’s loud.” The d:facto makes this task a breeze, with Beath adding, “it’s simple to prove the rejection from a d:facto. You turn it 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and there’s nothing. You scream into the back and there’s nothing. It’s tightened everything up, and there’s no bleed―it’s amazing.”
The Killers closed out the U.S. leg of their tour on October 12. The band is now making stops throughout South America, New Zealand, and Australia to wrap up 2022.
ApexPro is the recognized distributor of DPA Microphones in Africa. Reach out to us to find out if DPA is the right solution for your installation or touring needs.
Q Up Arts Founder and Composer Douglas Morton Relies on Brand for Immersive Aquarium Exhibit
A journey into the depths of the ocean is out of grasp for most, but Q Up Arts Founder and Composer Douglas Morton has helped bring the sounds of the Earth’s waters to shore for a new immersive aquarium experience that takes visitors through galleries filled with deep sea animals, original music and ocean video footage. To craft compositions that transport and inspire listeners, Morton needed microphones that could keep his recordings as authentic and natural as possible and selected DPA Microphones’ 2011C Compact Twin Diaphragm Cardioid Microphones.
“I choose mics based on what type of instrument or sound I’m going for. What’s great about the 2011s is the amount of detail that they pick up without coloring the sound. It’s like capturing a hi-res photo, you get all the little details and trails of sound. I used a couple of tongue drums for the score. I was just barely hitting those drums, but with the 2011s you can hear the full attack of the mallet. I even played them with my hands a little bit and you can hear right when my fingers hit the drums. The mics captured all the delicate nuances of the instrument.”
– Douglas Morton
Visitors can hear Morton’s compositions throughout the exhibit, transitioning seamlessly between songs and rooms. “As people travel through each gallery, it’s as if they’re on a journey descending down through the water to the ocean floor,” he continues.
“One room, designed to place guests in the middle of the ocean rather than the surface or floor, features a wall of 4K monitors displaying bright bioluminescent sea creatures. Wanting to take advantage of this massive visual aspect, we decided to add a Dolby Atmos mix within the room. Speakers to the front, overhead, sides and rear of the guests combine with psychedelic imagery to create an out-of-body immersive underwater experience.”
– Douglas Morton
When Morton began writing the score, he “tried to imagine what the water felt like and what we wanted people to feel as they traveled through the exhibit. A huge part of the compositional journey was just choosing sounds. It’s different than scoring a movie or TV show, we don’t want the music to be too stylized. If a guest is listening to the music instead of looking at the visuals, then I’m not doing my job. I ended up creating a beautiful, deep, dark, sonic landscape. The 2011s work well for this kind of recording because they’re so transparent and clear. They capture the delicate attack and sustain of the instruments.”
Besides traditional instruments, Morton was also able to utilize the sounds of real aquatic animals for his compositions. Underwater recordings of Monterey Canyon featured animals like blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins, but also natural phenomena, like underwater landslides. Morton added samples of the blue whales to his composition for an expansive, ominous portion of the gallery that replicates the sea floor and the life cycle of a whale.
As President and Founder of sampling and music production company Q Up Arts, Morton has utilized DPA’s mics for a variety of projects through the years. “I’ve tried different microphones before,” adds Morton, “but I always come back to DPA. They’re my go-to mics. Ultra-transparent, super clear, and a small sonic footprint, so they’re not going to color the sound. If I’m recording, what I’m hearing in the room is what the DPAs are going to sound like. That’s one of the biggest benefits of DPA mics, they’re so beautifully transparent. I’m a huge fan; they’re the number one microphones in my collection.”
Symetrix, Inc. announced hiring Jim Newhouse, a veteran of the professional audio industry, to be Director of International Sales.
“Jim brings a wealth of experience to the table and will be building out a team specific to our partners outside North America,” said Ty Hawley, Director of Sales and Marketing. “In collaboration with our network of distributors and certified resellers, he will help strengthen the Symetrix brand, position our products, and drive growth.”
Jim’s career in pro-AV began with a warehouse role 30 years ago, and he eventually launched his own successful installation business. More recently, he developed high-functioning sales teams for a global loudspeaker manufacturer.
“I’m excited about this opportunity and working with such a great team,” Jim said. “Symetrix’s products set the standard for DSP quality and integrated control flexibility.”
Director of international sales is a new position at Symetrix headquarters in the greater Seattle area.
“Despite all the challenges of the past few years, the Symetrix family has been steadily growing,” said Mark Graham, Symetrix CEO, and owner. “Investing in this strategic role now demonstrates how serious I am about our global partners’ success and delivering exceptional solutions for all our customers.”
Weatherized battery-powered loudspeaker with Bluetooth® audio and control
Electro-Voice is pleased to announce the global introduction of the EVERSE 8 weatherized battery-powered loudspeaker with Bluetooth® audio and control. The first battery-powered loudspeaker from Electro-Voice and the first weatherized model of its type, EVERSE 8 takes advantage of decades of Electro-Voice engineering expertise – along with the latest advancements in technology – to provide a truly portable and truly wireless audio experience at a price and performance level unmatched by current, comparable products on the market.
Whether used for live music, vocal reinforcement, and/or audio playback, musicians, DJs, production/rental companies, fitness/activity instructors, and other professional, amateur, and recreational users can all benefit from EVERSE 8’s superior sound quality, user-friendliness and all-in-one PA system design – a concept that opens-up real pro-audio performance for a wider range of users than ever before. EVERSE 8 comes in a black or white finish, adding an aesthetic angle to its versatility.
With a maximum SPL rating of 121 dB and wide, even 100º x 100º coverage, EVERSE 8’s capabilities defy its compact form factor and set uncompromising new benchmarks for its product segment. Core components include an 8” woofer mounted using EV’s patented SST (Signal Synchronized Transducers) port design, and a high-output titanium tweeter mounted onto a custom constant-directivity waveguide. EVERSE 8 is driven by a high-efficiency Class-D amplifier and DSP module developed in collaboration with the world-class audio electronics engineering team at EV’s sibling brand Dynacord. Pro features include a built in four-channel digital mixer with studio-quality effects and processing, 48 V phantom power, feedback suppression and audio ducking. And, as with all Electro-Voice portable loudspeakers, EVERSE 8’s system reliability is verified with extensive music abuse and endurance testing.
EVERSE 8 is powered by a custom-designed high-capacity Li-ion battery pack, fully optimized for audio use and providing plentiful power for up to 12 hours of run time. Protection circuitry reduces the risk of the battery discharging to such a low voltage that it can no longer be recharged – for example, after long periods in storage. Tool-free screws make removing the battery pack effortless.
EVERSE 8’s flexible features ensure a truly self-contained setup, input to output. Wireless control and monitoring are easy with the EV QuickSmart Mobile app, which can be used to adjust all audio, effects, and mix functions via phone or tablet. An intuitive user interface makes it simple to shape the sound to the space, so users can focus on their performance instead of the hardware. An integrated 12 V DC port provides convenient power from the EVERSE 8 battery, making it perfect for powering a wireless microphone system such as the Electro-Voice RE3 or R300 (see user manual for details) – simply attach the optional accessory tray to the top of an EVERSE 8 to secure receiver hardware in place. For stereo setups, EVERSE 8 is equipped for Bluetooth® true wireless stereo streaming. A charging port is also included for mobile devices if a top-up is needed when streaming.
Every detail of EVERSE 8 is designed to maximize easy lifting and transportation – all while reinforcing EV’s reputation for real-world durability. An ergonomically designed soft-touch handle and premium lightweight construction make it a breeze to move and mount EVERSE 8, whether on a tripod for a longer throw, set long-side-down as a stage wedge using the 55° monitor angle, or used upright with the 30° kick-back angle to project up off the performance area. Built-in feet with no-skid rubber pads ensure the system stays put. In combination with the rugged polypropylene enclosure, use of the included weatherized input cover allows EVERSE 8 to meet the IP43 rating (water resistant for splashes and light rain) when running on battery power and while Bluetooth® streaming – bring EVERSE 8 outside for busking, marching band practice, or the backyard BBQ, or wherever a PA is needed, whatever the forecast. An optional tote bag is also available, designed to fit everything the user might need in addition to their EVERSE 8: accessory tray and weather cover, wireless mic and receiver, extra battery, XLR and power cables, and mobile devices.
EVERSE 8 will be available from ApexPro in January 2023.
